Queen of Swords
Clear-sighted and independent, you speak the truth with fairness.
- Card
- Minor Arcana · Swords (Air)
- Upright keywords
- Intelligence, Independence, Fairness, Frankness
- Reversed keywords
- Coldness, Bitterness, Loneliness, Criticism
- Yes or no
- Depends on conditions
Traditional correspondences Element: Water of Air / Golden Dawn: Queen of the Thrones of Air / Thoth: Queen of Swords / Virgo 21° to Libra 20° / Sephirah: Binah (Understanding)
Upright meaning
Clear judgement and honest words.
A queen sits on a throne above the clouds, sword upright, one hand raised as if inviting truth. The Queen of Swords is clarity, independence and honest communication. Upright, she helps you see clearly and speak fairly.
Reversed meaning
Coldness or harshness. Add warmth to your honesty.
Reversed, she becomes cold or bitter. Criticism, isolation or harshness may hurt others. Combine honesty with compassion.
For ways of reading reversed cards, see how to read reversals.
Love
Honest communication and independence.
Coldness or bitterness after hurt.
Work
Clear thinking and fair judgement.
Harsh criticism.
Money
Clear-headed decisions.
Being too strict.
Relationships
Honest advice.
Sharp tongue.
Health
Mental clarity.
Stress from holding back emotion.
Tarot does not diagnose physical conditions. If you have symptoms that worry you, please see a doctor.
Mind and spirit
Wisdom born of experience.
Bitterness.
As a person
An intelligent, independent person.
Someone cold or critical.
Timing
Within weeks, a moment for clear judgement. In the calendar, mid September to mid October is also a guide (roughly September 12 to October 12).
Advice
Speak the truth fairly.
Add warmth to your words.
Questions to ask yourself
- What truth do I need to speak?
- Am I being fair?
- Where do I need compassion?
A common misreading
The Queen of Swords isn’t heartless. She is honest and clear, often after experience of pain.
The story of this card
The Queen holds air with understanding: clarity born of experience.
The Waite deck’s picture and symbols
In the Waite deck the Queen sits on a throne carved with butterflies, sword upright in her right hand, left hand raised. Clouds gather below.
History and differences between traditions
In the Golden Dawn system she is the Queen of the Thrones of Air.
Words for today
I speak truth with fairness.
I can be clear and kind.